It's another chapter in the NFL offseason and another step closer to the NFL season as the Dallas Cowboys are arriving in Oxnard, California.
Thankfully, Jerry Jones has done wonders to ensure there's no contract drama to think about, as Brandon Aubrey, Javonte Williams and George Pickens have all been signed. Outside the house, the Cowboys have done wonders to revamp their defense, and that will be one of the storylines to watch in Oxnard.
Also, young faces will get a chance to make the team. WR depth is large, but there may be room for a special teams spot. Here are three storylines to watch for in Oxnard.
1. Caleb Downs gets his chance to show what he's really made of
Caleb Downs is arguably the best player in this draft, even if he was picked at No. 11.
He's expected to play nickel cornerback, but he can cover, tackle and blitz. He's already got the perfect coach in Christian Parker to work with, and he's already got the stamp of approval from Dak Prescott for his confidence.
He's going to get his shot to go up against CeeDee Lamb and Pickens. Lamb has already been on record as saying that preparing against the defense is "annoying." Words that wouldn't have been said last season.
This is a great way to see how Downs will a valuable part of the defense.
2. Watch for Traeshon Holden
The training camp standout in 2025 will be back for another chance in 2026.
Traeshon Holden came in as an undrafted rookie out of Oregon, and he made a name for himself last year with his tough catches and speed. He was waived during final roster cuts, but was signed to the practice squad immediately after.
The WR depth chart is as competitive as ever. Lamb, Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and KaVontae Turpin already have spots secured. However, Marquez Valdes-Scantling was signed, and there's still Jonathan Mingo, Anthony Smith and Jordan Hudson to think about.
Joseph Hoyt from The Dallas Morning News said Holden's spot in the rotation felt higher than initially expected in minicamp. He's going to have a clean chance to get on the roster spot, and if so, he'll likely be on special teams.
3. Will we see some competition at left tackle?
Tyler Guyton is the de facto starting left tackle, but there have been some concerns about how Prescott will be protected if Guyton is inconsistent.
His overall grade of 57.5 on Pro Football Focus last season isn't something positive to take away, but neither is a pass-blocking grade of 50.
It may have been why Dallas took Penn State tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth round, and he's going to have a chance to show something. Guyton is still projected to be the starting LT, but there's also Nate Thomas to think about.
Guyton is still projected to start at LT, but this is what training camp is for. New faces with their chance to shine.
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